Oct. 30, 2024
Victor Duran has made a name for himself in the roofing industry. But rather than take the credit for himself, the 28-year-old attributes his success to the support and instruction he received from the School of Workforce Training at Grand Rapids Community College.
“It definitely opened up a bunch of opportunities for me and allowed me to make a better life for my family while also doing what I enjoy, ” said Duran, owner of Duran Roofing LLC in Grand Rapids.
Duran graduated from GRCC’s Residential Construction Job Training Program in 2018. The program provides students hands-on learning in the entire process of residential building: from blueprint reading, site layout, concrete and carpentry work to door and window installation, roofing, siding and interior finishing.
Throughout the course, students apply their lessons by constructing a new home. The program also focuses on constructing homes that are 5-Star Energy rated, Michigan Green Built and LEED certified.
Duran first found out about Job Training Programs at GRCC during a tour of the Leslie E. Tassell MTEC building while earning his GED diploma at Sparta Area Schools Adult Education.
“Our instructor, Diane Estrella, took us on a walk-through at MTEC to see all the different job skills you could learn at GRCC. It really showed me there was a way I could grow the building skills I’d picked up as a kid from my dad and maybe turn it into a real career,” Duran said. “Up to that point, I’d just worked factory jobs and I’d realized it wasn’t my thing. I wanted to use my hands and build stuff.”
That’s just what he found at GRCC.
Residential Construction Instructor Kyle Lackscheide was especially influential.
“I give all the credit to Kyle; I learned so much from him,” Duran said.
After completing the 18-week program, program staff helped Duran connect with Grand Rapids-area builders so he could continue honing his roofing skills. He started Duran Roofing soon after and now works for himself exclusively specializing in residential roofing.
His wife, Daniela Duran, helps the family business by handling the company’s bookkeeping. The couple has two daughters, 9-year-old Sophia and 5-year-old Elena.
“Victor is a great person and active in the community,” said John VanElst, interim dean of the School of Workforce Training.
This story was reported by Beth McKenna.